Landed accidental SEO job!

[NatalieHill]

I was just trying to help my brother out. His cabinet doors business has taken a big hit with the housing market slump. So I asked him how much internet business he does and where he ranked for his main keywords.

"Main keywords?" he asked. He told me he was always in the top three. Hmmm, I thought.

Using Market Samurai, I showed him where he really was for his primary keyword (#9). I explained some of the on and off-page factors that determine your position on Google, the importance of backlinks and we looked at his top competition.

I went on to explain how keyword research is done and the value of blogging for business owners (his blog was 6 months out of date and all his posts were about 3 sentences long).

He had never heard of Google Analytics.

Then I found a page on Google that gave the % differences in #s of clicks for the various different positions on Google page 1.

I wasn't trying to get a job. I've never considered myself an SEO expert.

But it was obvious to both of us how much I know and what a huge difference it could make for his business if he increased his internet traffic.

I'd love any advice from the pros here.

I'm just thinking I'll help him create a brand, help him blog regularly, take some pictures and make some videos, do keyword research and article marketing, help him gather and publish more testimonials. Anything else I'm forgetting?

[KevinRiley]

Natalie

The great thing is when yuo deal with offline businesses like that, even if you're not an SEO expert you know a lot, lot more than they do. Anyone who has been studying IM for awhile knows a lot to help a small offline business compete online.

My advice with the KWP research and optimizing is to look at regional KWP.

[ChristineCobb]

Don't forget to optimize his Google Places account (reviews, videos, photos) and get accounts at local directories like Merchants Circle, Yelp, Hot Frog, etc. and make sure that the contact info matches exactly the info at Google Places.

[Brett Rhodes]

Hi Natalie,

A big congratulations to you.

And a thought ... would he be up for doing a video about his business and himself? If so, post that on Youtube, Vimeo, Metacafe and other video sites with links back to relevant pages or the home page of the main site.

Good backlinks and exposure for his business.

He can also embed the video on the home page or about page of his site to make the site itself more human and engaging.

Good luck with the SEO gig!

Best,

- Brett

[KaronThackston]

I agree with Kevin. If he is local, you need to be laser targeted or you'll pull in a lot of traffic that isn't qualified. If he's in Boston, MA (for instance) and you don't optimize specifically for geo-specific terms, you could pull in traffic from all across the country that he won't be able to accept.

One tip: You don't necessarily have to have search terms that read like "Boston Custom Cabinets." You can use mainstream keywords and phrases but be sure to have the name of the cities/towns he services on the page somewhere as well a couple of times. They don't even have to be close to the keywords. Just on the page.

If you need help with KWR, my free report might be helpful.

Let me know if you have SEO copywriting questions. Be glad to help.

[LorettaOliver]

Accidental jobs sometimes turn out to the BEST jobs ever Congrats on your new gig! (I know I'm late to the party here) I hope you ended up with a great client relationship.